Amateur-built Super Sportsman N55BT accident near Spotted Bear, Montana

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing roll on an unimproved snow-covered runway which resulted in a nose-over.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, prior to landing in the tailwheel equipped airplane, he conducted a low approach over the snow-covered runway for inspection. During the low approach, the pilot observed runway markers and numerous parallel tracks on the runway and decided to land. During landing roll, the airplane encountered an area of soft snow that was deeper than expected, which resulted in the airplane immediately stopping, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA096 for the full record.